Hello, it's been a while...

Hello to all! Wonder if anyone still reads this blog? Please let me know.

Sooo, what's up with us?

We hate ourselves because we haven't had a chance to send out thank you cards...but they are on their way, we promise! This has been a very eventful summer so far!

Anthony hasn't rested since his summer vacation started. He's been working part-time house painting in the hot hot sun. Poor guy.

My birthday came and went..I turned the ripe old age of 28. I don't feel older, but I feel fatter. The fam and I went to Lawry's for dinner (it's accidentally becoming a tradition, since I crave it all the time). Anthony took me to Big Bear the next day for some Sea-Dooing (is that a word?) and relaxing, which is something we haven't been able to do since we've been married. I've developed a need for speed, and jet-skiing seems to be just the thing that satisfies my hunger. Nothing beats being in the middle of the lake with the rain pelting us in the face as we tried to get back to shore. It was a great moment. And to top it off, we found a great little diner, and we had the best lunch ever with the cheesiest chicken melt on garlic toast and salad with blue cheese dressing (homemade) and the biggest hamburger with the crispiest, overdone fries I've ever had, in the rain, 63-degrees outside. Then, Anthony ran the truck into a tree. Well, not really ran into it, but backed into it slowly, so not too much of a dent. As we drove back down to Rancho, the temperature kept climbing until we got back home to a horrible 113 degrees. So, that was my birthday...

We had a sort of a house-warming party, sort of impromptu, and just the aunts and uncles from my side of the family. We plan to have a couple more parties to make sure everyone has a chance to see our little humble home. It was fun to decorate and see how the room changed when Anthony painted our walls. It's great to know that he and I have the same taste in decorating; such a relief.

Well, the biggest piece of news has yet to be told. I will leave that for Anthony to tell, because it totally deserves to be it's own entry....hee hee. It's good news, don't worry...but you have to let us know if you read this blog so we can continue, so please, comment!

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Back for good

Yes, as usual, it's been a while. I will post more later (I PROMISE), but we're back from our amazing honeymoon and back to reality. Lots of pictures, lots of stories, and I know I still have to give my review of the BEST WEDDING EVER! Or at least, in my opinion.

So we are back! I will talk to you all soon!

Love, Annie

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Perfect

I'll post more later, but just so everyone knows, we are officially married! Everything was perfect and I'm anxiously awaiting pictures! With love to all ---Annie

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Don't forget the rings!

Note to self: Don't forget the rings!!!!!
Well we're here. The time has come. There is no turning back. Not that I would want to, but it makes it sound so much more dramatic when I say it this way.

Annie and I are very tired. Annie's stomach is twisting and turning. Right now Annie is steam cleaning everything and anything. Ate made the clips for the money dance. My brother Mike is calmly kicking back at his house firmly believing that all transportation arrangements will work themselves out. The Paraiso's are laughing it up with out of town family members. Alexis is having a cool sleep over with Auntie Rosie. As for me, I'm just trying to be there for Annie and help her with everything.

Some thoughts going through my head right now:
When Annie walks through those double doors I'm bound to lose it. I can't wait to see how beautiful my bride is going to look.

We'll see you all tomorrow!
Our day is finally here.

Ok off to steam clean more things.

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Go big or go home!

Well it's crunch time and we are running around like crazy. I'm trying to go about my business as usual at work and get the job done that I need to get done. Annie has wisely decided to take Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday off to run last minute errands for the wedding. I would love to take a few days off as well to help her out but I need all my vacation days for the honeymoon.

What do I say to a girl who knows she wants to marry me but is very scared to leave her comfort zone as well? This is why I love being where I am right now in my life and in my job. I was talking to the wonderful ladies in the office today and telling them about Annie and they reassured me that these feelings are not directed toward me and that she does not resent me in anyway. They told me they would pray for us and that God will take care of us and that everything will work out. You don't find many places of employment where the spiritual faith of believing in God plays such a huge part everyday at work. The ladies in the office, whom I love dearly, left me with this to pray..."I let the peace of God rule in my heart and I refuse to worry about anything." As Annie and I stressfully look towards the final days before her and I become husband and wife, this prayer will become very important.

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8 days to go...the fear sets in!

I guess I could have read all these books and gain a better insight as to how this whole marriage thing works. I love Annie more than anything in this world and I know she feels the same way. This whole week I've been filled with excitement trying to organize the condo and get it ready for Annie to join me. I can't wait for her to join me and keep me company. However, I need to realize that on her end she is struggling with leaving her house and this is where the fear sets in. How do we make it on our own? Starting April 30 it will just be her and I.

Do we need these books? I don't think so. I like to believe this fear is nothing more than walking away from being comfortable for 27 years. It's all we've known and it's all we're used to. This doesn't mean though that we should hide from a new challenge. I believe the love Annie and I hold for each other will keep us protected. As much as I will be there to take care of her and protect her, I know she will also do the same for me. We're a team, we're the A-Team!

Words of encouragement are much apprecitated. How do you all make it work? Whether you've been married less than a year or married for more than 30 years, your advice is well received.

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My Father the Hero

Again, this is not a review of the cult classic 1994 movie starring Gérard Depardieu and Katherine Heigl. This is however a thanks to my Dad, Henry. As many of you are aware my Dad hasn't been in the best of health lately and has been in and out of the hospital. A week before my bachelor party it was very doubtful that he would be able to attend. Not even out of the hospital a week he somehow got his strength to come out and display about as much energy as I had that night. During the two weeks he was in the hospital ther were talks whether he would be out of the hospital and able to make it to our wedding.

Today though as I type this it's such a great sight to see my Dad doing well. it's agood feeling inside and I thank the many prayers that came his way. Like a roller coaster, we go up and down with my Dad's health, but right now we're going up and I'd like to believe that we're going to keep going up. Of course you'll see the biggest smile on my face on April 29th when I see my Dad dressed in a tux watching Annie and I get married.

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The Bachelor (Not the show!) Party

As sad as it may be, this is not a review of last nights episode and a recap of who got voted off...or shall I say who did not get a rose! I don't even think it's playing right now. In any case I'm not going to be the next Bachelor or anything. Shocking isn't it!

This is however a long overdue review of my tame, but funfilled evening with the boys! All my guys played a part in pulling off a successful evening but the most thanks goes out to Gabe and Mike. It's my understanding that these two really kicked butt in getting everything organized. Don't worry Gabe, we didn't cups to drink out of the two liter bottles.

Our evening started off with delicious meatless meal at Nationals. We then headed on over to our up-close seats to watch the Mighty Ducks stomp all over the Nashville Predators. My name was even thrown up on the jumbotron! (still need that picture DJ) After watching the pros play a little hockey we decided that we were just as good so we headed over to the local ice rink and played an innocent game of broom hockey (sorry Craig...you didn't need that tooth anyways. I know you're waiting for me to tell you that after our game the strippers came out and rolled around on the ice...sorry but that never happened. There were no strippers but we didn't need them to have a good time. I had an amazing night with the guys and I'm touched to see the amount of friends who came out to celebrate with me. From what I heard everyone had a great time and that's exactly what I wanted.

A big thanks goes out to all my friends who came out. we need to play broom hockey again sometime. Thanks to Oscar who came out and made sure I had a great time (thanks for picking up my hat! Weird that just last year I was making sure you had a good time and supplying you with dollar bills:)) Thanks to Gabe for organizing the broom hockey (that was so much fun!) Thanks to DJ for proving to me I have more than just a brother-n-law relationship with you, I also have a good friendship to go with it. Most thanks to my brother, my best man, Mike. Without you this whole night wouldn't have been possible. I know you're a very busy man with a family to take care of and you still made me your most important priority that night. Thanks for taking care of me the way you always have.

ok I'm out

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The Bachelorette Weekend

So, two weeks ago, the bridesmaids planned a trip to Vegas for me for my bachelorette weekend. Wow, we had a great time. There were six of us there (me, my 4 BM's, and my cuz's friend) and we also met up with a couple of friends, too. I learned a lot about my girls this weekend.

My sister, Cristina: I learned she would do absolutely anything to make sure I had a good time and I love her for it.
My cousin, Celeste: I saw a beautiful, independent side to her that I was happy to find out.
My soon-to-be sister, Rosie: I learned she can really pull through and have fun doing things she's not used to doing.
My best friend, Leana: I learned that she's a great planner and she made sure all of us had a crazy fun time.

Highlights of the weekend:

• Eating! I love food, and being able to have some good (expensive) eats is my idea of a good time.
• The Pussycat Dolls! They were awesome. I want to be them.
• Purchasing "VIP" tickets to Pure from a trusting man we met on the Strip whose name was Andy Ferrari.
• Very expensive Grey Goose and cranberry juice that I didn't have to pay for!
• The not-so-PG veil and garter that the girls made me wear.
• "Amazing Race"-ing it to make sure we made our reservations.
• 30-second toast and speech in the limo.
• What started off as a sit-around and lounge time at the Voodoo Lounge turned into happy fun time once we had a couple of rounds.
• Boys that gave me money. And I didn't have to do anything! But I was able to buy drinks for everyone.
• Jamie, no Jared, no wait, Jamie. It's Jared.
• A club named Rain that didn't Rain.
• Leana and I falling like two trees.
• Partially appreciating gift-opening due to the fact that I can't really be excited about stuff like lingerie and educational books in front of my older sister, my cousin, Anthony's sister and my friend who doesn't want to think of me and Anthony in that way. But I loved all my gifts!
• A fat lip!

Overall, I had a great time. None of us got stinking drunk, just the social drinking that I am used to. Very cool. I am proud to say I showed Anthony all of the pictures of our weekend (yes, all of them) without him going postal. The only reason why I didn't want to back was because I thought about all of the little things that still needed to be done, and I was just so caught up in the weekend and not having to worry about the wedding.

So we're back to the routine. Everything is becoming surreal. As I type, I've got Bennie sitting behind me in the computer chair (and taking up most of it with his Labrador body), and I'm remembering the past few days as I've been packing and cleaning my room. I definitely don't accept change very well, and it's a weird feeling to be excited about something, but yet, also dread having to leave your old life and what you've been used to for almost 28 years. I take the train to work everyday, and I find myself just staring off into space and thinking about all of the things that are going to change. Other train go-ers cock their head, as if they're thinking, "My, this girl's got a lot on her mind." As my friend T recently stated in her livejournal in regards to changes in her own life, "it's seriously and definitively the end of an era." I hear ya, sister. I'm so scared about all that's changing, but I know that everything will fall into place. But I love Anthony and I can't wait to finally keep him company in our new little home. :)

So, thanks to all that have been RSVPing. To those who haven't yet, you've literally got one day left. The H is O--The Heat is On!

See you all in 21 days!

Love, Annie

P.S. Don't fret, boys! Anthony should be posting soon about his Bachelor party. It was a great night for him!

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T-minus 40 days, 12 hours, 54 minutes, 40 seconds

I just realized that the countdown to Coachella is actually our countdown as well! So we don't have to put one up. Just go there. And for all the Cali peeps missing out on the 2-day festivities (although the thought of Madonna in the Sahara tent gives me the willies--in a bad way--think about it...Tool fans and Madonna fans together at last!), thanks for choosing us over Indio. Keep those RSVP's coming. Love you all!

xoxo,
Annie

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Bittersweet Me

It's been a while! Sorry about that...lots to talk about.

I had my bridal shower about a month ago....soooo much fun. A little hectic with the million people that were there, but it was still great and felt intimate. I love doing tea, so we had it at a tea house. Anthony and I got some great presents and my bridesmaids did a great job putting it together. They seem to know what I love. A special thanks to my sis, my maid of honor, for really organizing a great party!

***I added some pics here, but it didn't work, so here's the link: teatime***

So what else is happening? We finally got our invites out...get your RSVP's in! I get crazy with slackers! That was a huge project in itself. It took every evening for the past 3 weeks to address, erase, stamp, seal, and record each invitation.

I don't want to bring the mood down or anything, but I always want to ask all of you to pray for Anthony's dad, Henry. For a while now, he hasn't been feeling very well due to his heart condition, so please remember him in your prayers. We love him and want him to feel stronger, so sincerely, your prayers are needed.

So anyway, the time is coming up so fast. I have so much to do..I actually have to start cleaning my room, my bathroom and pack up (nooooo!), finally.

I went for one of my final fittings for my dress. Let's just say that when I stress, I eat, so it's always Opposite Day for Annie. When other brides wither away due to stress, this bride swells up. But not so much that I need a new dress or anything; not noticeable.

Visiting all the vendors to finally go over the details. I feel so energized when I get one more thing done. Every weekend is driving throughout So Cal to finalize details. Anthony's been putting a lot of miles on his....TRUCK!

So, yes, Anthony got rid of his Pasucko (actually she's still in his parent's driveway) and bought his new truck. As many of you may not know, Anthony's had his Paseo forever, and he's been long overdue for a new car. As much as I loved his old car (it's a dumb thing to say, but it's hard to part with the car that was with us as we fell in love and created so many memories for us as it took us all over the place), I know it was time to let go. :( I am very sentimental with non-living things. I always refer back to that IKEA commercial with the lamp in the rain and the German guy saying, "You feel sorry for the lamp. But that is because you are crazy. The new lamp is much bettah!" I'd always shed a tear for the old lamp. But that is because I am crazy. The new truck is much bettah.

So as you can see, this has all been a roller coaster. On one hand, Anthony and I are so excited to plan and be able to see our future together getting closer, but on the other hand, there's a lot that Anthony's family is going through. But I know that there's a reason for all of this, and I have to stay positive. So bittersweet.

Can't wait to see all of you on the big day! Lots of love, Annie

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The Tuxados are fit!

Somehow I have a few minutes to kill so I thought I would quickly post. Actually now I worry that I'm not doing something I should be doing which is why I have the extra time...Oh well!
The boys and I took a trip this past Saturday to get fitted for our Tuxedo's while the girls were out showering. I just want to say thanks to the guys for coming out and making this an event. We had as much fun as you can have inside a small tuxedo shop. Annie has lots of stories about her day so look for that soon.
bye for now!

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Magic in the air

I am so freakin' ready for this. I'm tired, worried about everything all the time, and I just can't wait to be married. I just realized how much we've grown together. Yes, we met each other when we were still young, and we've grown so much. I just got finished telling Anthony over dinner how proud I was of him. He's just perfect for me. I don't know how to explain it. I know that he'll suppport me in everything that I do, and be the strong one when I freak out. He'll be a great husband! I love him.

Invitations are in! Can't wait to send them out. The invites just finalized it for me. Our day is coming! I was reading over our readings for the ceremony and the choice of vows. It's so weird to have an idea of what you think you want for your big day, but then have to make a final decision is so surreal. But just know that whatever you see and hear at the ceremony and reception had been carefully chosen and meant a lot to us in some way.

Okay, I'm tired. It's 2 am. Why I'm not asleep is beyond me. I moved cubicles at work today. My hip hurts from the moving. Me and Ben Gay say Goodnite :)

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Update from Annie

Just a quick hello, since it's been a while. I'm better now...I got really sick again during New Year's, but I'm back in action again! Thanks to everyone who sent "get well" wishes.

The date is coming up! I can't believe that in about 3 1/2 months, we'll be married. I'm scared, nervous, excited, worried, everything.

Anthony and I spent the last week or so getting him settled in our condo! He is now officially a bachelor for the next few months, complete with the Aerobed and frozen pizza in the freezer. By my insistence, we bought salad fixins and fruit, which he hasn't touched yet, I don't think. The bananas are browning quite nicely. I moved some of my books over, but other than that, I am dreading having to take apart my room. I am a pack rat, and I have a lot of trouble deciding what can be thrown away. Too much sentimental value. What if People magazines and TV Guides from 1992 become valuable in the next 50 years? What if my brother doesn't need my 5th grade schoolwork anymore? My mom always trained me to keep everything for my brother when he enters the grade in the next year.

It seems like a lot of the planning is already in place; it's just the little details that I'm so worried I'm going to overlook; like just right now, I remembered that I don't have my shoes yet. Or that we don't have Anthony's ring yet. Yikes. Lots to do!

But I can't wait. I can't wait for the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding day, and our honeymoon. I can't believe that we're taking such a big trip within the next couple of months. I can't believe that by my next birthday, I'm going to be married. A couple of days ago, I started doodling and tried to sign my new name. It was wierd.

I am NOT even going to get into how hard it will be for me to have to move out of my house. My biggest worry is that I won't have my "me" space, that time alone I have while Anthony is off doing his thing. We're so used to just going off and doing our thing, but home base for me was always my house. Does that make sense? I think it's going to be hard to know that I won't be able to see my mom, dad, and brother every day. It's going to be hard to not be able to see them at the end of the night before I go to sleep. I can't imagine not being able to give Bennie a good morning hug and kiss before I go to work. I know it sounds wimpy, but keep in mind, I've never really been away from home. I depend on them so much, and I know it will hurt them as much as it hurts me. Oh well, I'm tearing up, so let's change the subject.

I think we might have to miss Coachella again this year. It's the weekend of our wedding, and we could attend Sunday if we really pushed, but it seems too hard. I'm so mad, but there's always next year. Whatever happened to the good ol' days when Coachella was in October?

Leave comments! I want to know how everyone is doing!

Love, Annie

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